There are now more than 110,000 Victorian students are devour fresh fruit
and vegetables under the Brumby Government's popular Free Fruit Friday
program.
Member for Cranbourne District, Jude Perera MP, said around 110,000 Prep
to Year 2 students from a total of more than 1000 schools are
participating in the 'Go for your life' Free Fruit Friday program in 2009.
This includes more than 60 Victorian government schools joining the
program for the first time in Term 3 2009.
"Children need fresh fruit and vegetables every day to grow up healthy and
strong," Mr Perera said.
"But parents also need to do their bit to make sure kids get the nutrients
they need.
"Families and schools play a crucial role in teaching young people how to
adopt healthy eating practices."
"Just like 'Go for your life', this program is part of our push to
encourage healthier lifestyles and avoid damaging health issues like
obesity and diabetes."
Schools participating in Free Fruit Friday will be able to access a range
of educational materials to teach children the benefits of healthy eating.
Students will also continue to learn about the benefits of physical
exercise through mandatory school sport and physical education.
The Brumby Government's $11 million Free Fruit Friday program continues to
grow in popularity, with a three-fold increase in the number of students
participating since the program began in 2007.
Mr Perera said schools will be encouraged to purchase fresh produce from
local businesses as part of the Free Fruit Friday initiative.
"Not only are we ensuring our young people get the best possible start in
life, we are encouraging schools to buy local and support their local
communities," Mr Perera said.
Free Fruit Friday complements a raft of Brumby Government initiatives
aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles among students, including the
development of the 'Go for your life' Healthy Canteen Kit, the removal of
high sugar content soft drinks from school canteens, and a total
confectionery ban commencing this year.
Woodlands Primary School will join the Free Fruit Friday program this term
